Handling IRS Audits – Mistakes On Return By Your CPA

It’s common to assume that when you hire a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) that your taxes are going to be error free. In a large majority of cases, your taxes will be safe in the hands of a CPA. But what happens when you are notified of an error or you discover an error that costs you hundreds or thousands? In this article, Jeffrey Anton Collins, a tax consultant, will be sharing how to handle a mistake on your tax returns that result in an IRS audit. Remember, one of the biggest mistakes you can make when dealing with the IRS is to ignore them. They will find a way to get the money they believe is owed to them — especially if it exceeds $100,000.

What To Do About Tax Return Errors By Your CPA

It can be shocking to find out that your CPA made an error on your taxes, but you can do something about it after the fact. Here are five recommendations:

#1. Consult Your Tax Preparer

The IRS will send you a notice of errors or mistakes, which you can then take to your CPA or tax preparer for an explanation. In most cases, a tax preparer that makes mistakes will be willing to pay for some, if not all of the associated fees.

#2. Pay The Charges

Whether you made the mistake or your tax preparer made it, you need to pay the penalties. The worst mistake you can make is to ignore the IRS. They do not care if it was your mistake or your CPA’s mistake. They’ve issued a penalty, and it needs to be paid. Avoiding the IRS is only going to cost you more money in the long run in more fees and potentially hiring a criminal tax attorney to defend you from criminal charges.

#3. Review Your Contract

Within most tax preparation contracts, there is language explaining what will happen in the event of an error or mistake made by the CPA. You’re looking for how the tax preparer will handle the error — and what you can do to have it remedied.

#4. Confirm Statute of Limitations

If your tax preparer made you overpay on your taxes, you have three years to file a claim. You must be able to provide proof via documentation for this claim to be considered. What’s more, the IRS has the same amount of time to go after you for underpaying. If the IRS made a mistake and excluded more than 25 percent of your gross income, they have six years to collect.

#5. File Your Complaint

In some cases, your tax preparer will intentionally make a mistake. For example, they will boost your return due to a mistake on your return. You can file a complaint with the Office of Responsibility at the IRS, as well as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, National Association of Enrolled Agents, or your state law association. These filed complaints could result in your tax preparer facing charges and penalties.

How To Avoid Tax Mistakes

The best way to avoid tax mistakes is to vet the tax professional you’re entrusting your taxes with thoroughly. Look at experience, years in the industry, and prior potential complaint filings.

You can also schedule a consultation with Jeffrey Anton Collins if your tax debt exceeds $100,000 and you’re facing charges. Call today!

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